Caring for Mothers and Newborn Babies at Risk in Uganda

Uganda is situated in east Africa and completely landlocked by neighboring nations. The country is famed for its wildlife and tropical climate. Uganda has rebounded from civil war to become a relatively stable, peaceful nation. However, Uganda still struggles with the aftermath of war, widespread poverty, health epidemics and a lack of basic human rights-- 25% of the population live below the poverty line on less than US$1.25 a day.

Currently in Uganda, more than 58% of births take place without a skilled healthcare professional and 16 women die every day from pregnancy or childbirth complications. An average of 123 newborn babies-- typically under a week old-- die every day, mostly from preventable causes.

Embrace began working in Uganda in 2012, when we partnered with International Midwife Assistance to bring infant warmers to the Teso Safe Motherhood Project Clinic in Soroti. In 2013, we began an in-depth program based at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, with two smaller programs at Mbale Hospital in Mbale and Kitovu Hospital in Masaka.

Smart investments in quality maternal healthcare and in newborn survival make a huge difference. Help Embrace continue to spread the word.